Portofino is a picturesque coastal town in Italy that captivates visitors with its charming atmosphere and renowned cuisine. The Portofino Boat and Walking Tour With Pesto Cooking & Lunch offers an immersive experience that allows you to discover the town’s highlights through a combination of activities. From a scenic boat ride to a hands-on pesto-making class and a traditional Ligurian lunch, this tour promises to provide a well-rounded introduction to the charms of Portofino. With a professional tour leader guiding you throughout the experience, you’ll find yourself captivated by the town’s rich history and culture, and eager to delve deeper into the flavors that make this destination so beloved.

This experience made our list of the 9 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Portofino.

Key Points

Portofino Boat and Walking Tour With Pesto Cooking & Lunch - Key Points

  • This 3-hour experience offers an immersive exploration of the coastal town of Portofino, combining a boat ride, walking tour, pesto cooking class, and Ligurian lunch.
  • The tour includes round-trip ferry tickets from Santa Margherita Ligure and a walking portion that visits landmarks like the Church of Saint Giorgio.
  • The pesto-making class teaches traditional techniques for crafting the local delicacy, a key part of Ligurian cuisine.
  • The tour culminates with a typical Ligurian lunch overlooking the picturesque Portofino harbor.
  • The tour is led by a professional guide, ensuring a seamless and informative experience.

Overview and Description

The Portofino Boat and Walking Tour offers a comprehensive 3-hour experience that combines a boat ride, walking tour, pesto cooking class, and a Ligurian lunch, providing visitors an immersive exploration of the charming coastal town of Portofino.

The tour includes round-trip ferry tickets from Santa Margherita Ligure, allowing participants to soak in the scenic views along the way.

Once in Portofino, the walking portion takes visitors to landmarks like the Church of Saint Giorgio, while a pesto-making class teaches the art of crafting this local delicacy.

The tour culminates with a typical Ligurian lunch overlooking the picturesque harbor, leaving participants with a well-rounded appreciation of Portofino’s history, culture, and cuisine.

Tour Itinerary

Portofino Boat and Walking Tour With Pesto Cooking & Lunch - Tour Itinerary

After exploring the town’s picturesque harbor and gaining an overview of the tour, participants embark on the walking portion, which takes them to the Church of Saint Giorgio for panoramic views overlooking Portofino.

From there, they’ll visit a local bakery for a focaccia tasting, learning about this famous Ligurian specialty.

Next up is the pesto making class, where they’ll learn the traditional techniques for preparing this beloved sauce.

To cap off the experience, the group enjoys a typical Ligurian lunch overlooking the harbor, allowing them to savor the flavors they’ve just learned to create.

The tour provides an immersive glimpse into Portofino’s culinary heritage and stunning natural beauty.

Inclusions

Portofino Boat and Walking Tour With Pesto Cooking & Lunch - Inclusions

What does the Portofino Boat and Walking Tour include? The tour includes a pesto cooking class, a light lunch in Portofino, a focaccia tasting, a professional tour leader, and round-trip ferry boat tickets. These inclusions provide a well-rounded experience, allowing visitors to enjoy the local cuisine and culture of the picturesque coastal town.

Inclusions Description
Pesto Cooking Class Learn the art of making authentic Ligurian pesto
Light Lunch Savor a typical Ligurian meal overlooking the harbor
Focaccia Tasting Enjoy the iconic Genoese flatbread at a local bakery
Professional Tour Leader Knowledgeable guide to provide insights and lead the way

The comprehensive package ensures a memorable and enriching visit to Portofino, allowing travelers to fully appreciate the charm and flavors of this charming Italian destination.

Meeting and Pickup

Portofino Boat and Walking Tour With Pesto Cooking & Lunch - Meeting and Pickup

Travelers meet at Piazza Martiri della Libertà, 1 in Santa Margherita Ligure, the starting point for the Portofino Boat and Walking Tour.

The tour begins promptly at 10:00 am, so participants should arrive on time.

From there, the group takes a scenic ferry boat across the water to the charming coastal town of Portofino, the endpoint of the tour.

It’s an easy and convenient way to get to the main attraction without the hassle of driving or parking.

The tour leader ensures everyone arrives safely and on schedule, making for a seamless start to the day’s adventure.

Guests can look forward to an engaging walking tour, pesto-making class, and delicious Ligurian lunch ahead.

Panoramic Views and Focaccia Tasting

Portofino Boat and Walking Tour With Pesto Cooking & Lunch - Panoramic Views and Focaccia Tasting

Climbing to the Church of Saint Giorgio rewards visitors with panoramic vistas overlooking Portofino’s picturesque harbor.

At a local bakery, guests then savor the distinctive flavors of freshly baked focaccia, a staple of Ligurian cuisine. This savory flatbread, often topped with olive oil, herbs, and other regional ingredients, provides a delicious introduction to the area’s culinary traditions.

The tour group will have the chance to appreciate Portofino’s stunning natural scenery and get a taste of local culture before moving on to the pesto-making class, where they’ll learn to prepare this iconic Italian sauce.

With these early experiences, the tour sets the stage for an immersive exploration of Portofino’s charms.

Pesto Making Class

Portofino Boat and Walking Tour With Pesto Cooking & Lunch - Pesto Making Class

During the pesto making class, participants learn the traditional technique for crafting this quintessential Ligurian sauce. Under the guidance of an experienced local chef, they gather fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil to prepare their own batch of pesto.

The instructor provides step-by-step instructions, sharing the secrets to achieving the perfect balance of flavors and texture. With mortar and pestle in hand, the group works together, crushing and blending the ingredients to create the vibrant green paste that has made Genovese pesto renowned worldwide.

The key steps of pesto making include:

  • Finely chopping the basil leaves
  • Grinding the pine nuts and garlic into a smooth paste
  • Slowly incorporating the olive oil and Parmesan
  • Tasting and adjusting seasoning to personal preference

Ligurian Lunch Overlooking the Harbor

Portofino Boat and Walking Tour With Pesto Cooking & Lunch - Ligurian Lunch Overlooking the Harbor

After the pesto-making class, the group settles down for a typical Ligurian lunch overlooking the picturesque Portofino harbor.

The meal showcases the region’s renowned coastal cuisine, featuring fresh seafood, seasonal produce, and of course, the homemade pesto they’d just crafted.

The panoramic views of the vibrant harbor and the surrounding natural beauty create a serene ambiance as they savor each bite.

The lunch menu includes a variety of dishes that highlight the local flavors, from the fragrant basil-infused dishes to the delicate seafood platters.

It’s a chance to fully immerse in the Ligurian culinary tradition and appreciate the stunning seaside setting.

Additional Information

Portofino Boat and Walking Tour With Pesto Cooking & Lunch - Additional Information

Travelers should confirm their booking prior to the tour date, as this experience is subject to weather conditions that could impact the itinerary. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but a child rate is available for those sharing the experience with two adults.

Groups must have a minimum of two people, and the maximum number of travelers is capped at six. Lunch options are suitable for vegetarians, though dietary needs should be communicated in advance.

This Portofino adventure offers:

  • Panoramic views from the Church of Saint Giorgio
  • A hands-on pesto-making class
  • Free time to explore the charming Portofino Natural Park or indulge in local gelato

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Ingredients for the Pesto Class?

While participants are generally expected to use the ingredients provided, some tour operators may allow guests to bring their own ingredients for the pesto cooking class. It’s best to check with the tour provider beforehand to understand their policy.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Time?

The tour operator does not provide an option to extend the tour time. The standard 3-hour itinerary includes the key activities, and the tour can’t be lengthened beyond that duration. Travelers must book the full tour package as described.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions for the Ligurian Lunch?

The Ligurian lunch is suitable for vegetarians. However, the tour operator should be notified in advance of any other dietary restrictions or food allergies to accommodate those needs during the meal.

Can I Book This Tour for a Private Group?

Yes, the tour can be booked for a private group. The tour operator accommodates private groups, with a minimum of 2 travelers. Participants can enjoy the experience with their own party in an intimate setting.

Is There a Photo Opportunity During the Boat Ride?

The boat ride provides ample opportunities for taking scenic photos of the picturesque coastal landscapes and historic buildings. Passengers can capture the charming views of Portofino from the water during this portion of the tour.

Recap

This immersive tour provides a well-rounded experience to explore the picturesque town of Portofino.

Visitors can enjoy a scenic boat ride, a walking tour, a hands-on pesto-making class, and a traditional Ligurian lunch overlooking the harbor.

Led by a professional guide, the tour offers an enriching introduction to the charming coastal town and its renowned cuisine, making it an ideal way to experience the best of Portofino.